Najee Harris is close to returning from a scary eye injury suffered in a July fireworks mishap, and the Chargers are counting on him to anchor a crowded backfield. On a one-year deal worth up to 9.25 million, Harris has been inching back into drills after limited activity since early August. If Harris isn’t ready for Week 1, Omarion Hampton will shoulder more carries as the top backup, with a battleground around Vidal, Sanders, Haskins and Miller-Hines for the third spot. The Chargers haven’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2017, and Harris’s dual-threat profile could unlock the passing game if he’s healthy. Week 1 against Kansas City in Sao Paulo will be a true early-season gauge.

The Chargers’ depth behind Harris is notable but unproven, making every practice rep critical for Hampton and the competing group. Harris’s Pittsburgh background as a steady runner and reliable receiver is a relatable touchstone for fantasy managers weighing risk vs. reward in a backfield that needs a durable, feature-back presence. Harris’s health status and usage in the opener will drive the early fantasy value of Hampton and the rest of the Chargers' backfield, especially in DFS lineups and risk-adjusted season-long rosters.

Najee Harris moved from walking laps to handling footballs at Chargers camp, signaling a hopeful trajectory after a superficial eye injury. The team remains cautious about Week 1, but Harris’ progress opens room for Omarion Hampton to share carries and for third-string contenders to push for reps. Jaret Patterson’s undisclosed injury and limited practice add roster uncertainty behind Hampton, while the Chargers remain locked in a backfield battle that could shape the early-season rotation and fantasy upside.

With Harris trending toward readiness, fantasy managers should monitor daily practice updates and the backfield committee dynamic. The Week 1 opponent, Kansas City, looms as a key stress test for depth and usage. If Harris is limited, Hampton could become a sneaky value play, while Patterson and the other depth candidates offer late-round dart possibilities. The coaching staff’s approach to the third-string spot keeps the competition open into the season’s outset.

The saga underscores how camp precision and injury reporting can impact early fantasy projections. Even as Harris eyes a return, the Chargers’ plan for Week 1 will hinge on how quickly he can exercise live football, and how the team distributes snaps among the backs once he’s cleared. The unfolding depth chart is essential fantasy data in the weeks ahead.

The Denver Broncos have signed 15 undrafted free agents and missed out on three key targets who opted for rival teams. Fentrell Cypress, a cornerback from Florida State, declined the Broncos' competitive offer, choosing to join the Washington Commanders instead. In a similar vein, LSU cornerback Zy Alexander also spurned Denver for the Seattle Seahawks. Additionally, BYU cornerback Jakob Robinson will be heading to the San Francisco 49ers after the Broncos' efforts to recruit him fell flat.

This trend indicates a strong interest from the Broncos in bolstering their secondary, especially with the cornerback position, which is crucial for their defensive strategy moving forward. Despite these setbacks, the Broncos are still expected to evaluate several prospects during the upcoming rookie minicamp, which will provide an opportunity to assess their future roster.

The Arizona Cardinals had a productive 2025 NFL Draft, selecting seven players overall, with a heavy focus on bolstering their defense. Among the highlights is Walter Nolen, a top talent from Ole Miss, who has the potential to make a significant impact at defensive tackle. The Cardinals also picked Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, whose first-round talent was tempered by injury concerns, and Oregon edge rusher Jordan Burch, noted for his impressive performance last season with 8.5 sacks.

Other selections included linebacker Cody Simon from Ohio State, who brings leadership and athleticism, and Denzel Burke, another Buckeye, who adds depth to the cornerback position. The team rounded out its draft with offensive lineman Hayden Conner and safety Kitan Crawford, both of whom are expected to contribute, particularly on special teams. Overall, the Cardinals' draft strategy successfully addressed their defensive needs while also adding versatility on offense, earning them an A-minus grade for the class.